Considering his team is still trying to win an 8-man title, Andrew Davenport doesn’t think his selection to the private school’s version of the Shrine Bowl is a big deal.

His coach thinks differently.

Parrott Academy’s senior quarterback has been selected to represent the state in the eighth annual Oasis Shriners All-Star Classic in Mooresville next month. The game pits all-stars from the N.C. Independent Athletic Association against those from the S.C. Independent School Association in the same format as the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.

Davenport’s nod makes him the second from Parrott to be selected and first since Brick Crowder was picked to play in 2006.

“I’m not entirely sure what’s going on. I know I got the invitation,” Davenport said. “I’ve just been thinking about this season. I haven’t had time to think about (the Shrine game) too much.”

Davenport — one of only three from the 8-man ranks to make the 36-player roster — is in his first year at quarterback, and to this point has been quite impressive.

The speedy senior — a running back by trade — has thrown for 975 yards and 19 touchdowns on 48 of 89 pass attempts with seven interceptions. He also leads the team in rushing with 1,024 yards and nine TDs on 115 carries, all according to MaxPreps.com.

The N.C. Shrine game coaching staff has decided to combine all of Davenport’s strengths into one by making him an athlete, according to the roster.

“From what I hear they thought that Andrew would be an athlete. They can bring him in and run some wildcat at quarterback, plus return some kicks — just use him in a lot of different places,” Patriots coach Matt Beaman said. “They felt like he’ll be a good asset to the team.

“It shows what a heck of a year he’s had. He was put into a role he’s never played at quarterback, and not only has he met our expectations he’s exceeded those. He’s done well enough that it’s caught the eyes of other coaches.”

Davenport will get the same treatment that those who participate in the public school’s Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas do. He’ll spend an entire week in the Charlotte area practicing, rehearsing, and visiting the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, S.C.

He said he’ll begin worrying about the all-star game after his career at Parrott Academy is officially over.

“I’m excited that it will probably be my last football game with some of the best athletes in the state,” Davenport said. “I feel honored to be a part of it.

“I haven’t really had to focus on the all-state team or the all-conference team or anything like that.

Page 2 of 2 - “I’m just focusing on winning every game each week. … It’s more about the state championship than the Shrine bowl.”

Ryan Herman can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Ryan.Herman@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter: @KFPSports.